Welcoming YKK to the ZDHC Signatory Community

In May 2026, ZDHC welcomed YKK as a new Signatory Supplier, strengthening a community of organisations working to advance safer chemistry and responsible manufacturing across the textile and apparel value chain.

Founded in Tokyo in 1934, YKK has grown into a global fastening solutions company that produces zippers, plastic hardware, hook-and-loop fasteners, webbing tapes, and snaps and buttons. With integrated production and supply systems in more than 70 countries and regions, the company positions its “solutions-first” approach around engineering, product development, and supply chain support. Guided by its CYCLE OF GOODNESS® philosophy—“no one prospers without rendering benefit to others”—YKK says it aims to contribute to a sustainable society through its products, operations, employees, and communities.

Joining the ZDHC Roadmap to Zero Programme supports YKK’s Sustainability Vision 2050, formulated in October 2020 and setting targets across climate change, material resources, water resources, chemical management, and respect for people. 

YKK manages chemical substances through its own YKK RSL, built on standards such as the ZDHC MRSL, and ensures finished products meet OEKO-TEX Standard 100 and AFIRM RSL. Its 2023 report notes cooperation with ZDHC certification and testing programmes to form guidelines for ZDHC-compliant zippers and buttons, and adoption of ZDHC MRSL for manufacturing chemical management. The same reporting highlights a 46.9% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions (FY2022 vs FY2018), 31 locations on 100% renewable energy, and 26% sustainable materials in fastening textiles.

With YKK’s entry into the ZDHC Signatory Community, the programme continues to bring together manufacturers embedding chemical management into product design, production, and supply chain systems as part of their long-term sustainability strategy.